Original artwork, not a still
The Merchant of Venice • 1600
I’ll not be made a soft and dull eyed fool!
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The speaker firmly rejects being turned into someone gentle, dulled and easily gulled. 'Soft' and 'dull-eyed' imply a loss of sharpness and spirit, so the line is a declaration of resolve to stay alert and unmanipulated rather than become a foolish, pliable person.
Context reviewed
